More Than 2 Million Minnesota Chickens to be Destroyed Due to Bird Flu

Around 2 million egg laying hens will now be destroyed by the nation’s largest producer of eggs due to the recent outbreak of the deadly bird flu virus in Minnesota.

A total of 35 million birds across 15 states are believed to be affected, and Minnesota and Iowa poultry flocks seem to be hit the hardest.

In the next four weeks, these chickens will be destroyed at the Rembrandt Enterprises as a precautionary measure.

While the vice president of the company Jonathan Spurway claims that just one barn with 200,000 birds were infected, the entire flock will be killed as a precaution.

Apparently, despite innumerable efforts by the employees of the company, the facilities have not managed to stay virus free, and the chickens on the farm have tested positive for the disease.

Rembrandt Enterprises has also faced an outbreak in its Iowa facility on May 1, where a barn having over 250,000 hens was found affected.

2 million more Minnesota chickens to be destroyed due to flu

“We’re doing everything we possibly can (to protect flocks), and we don’t know of anyone who’s doing anything we’re not already doing,” Spurway explained. “The industry is lost for words.”

Prior to these revelations on Saturday, 88 turkey and chicken farms in Minnesota have been confirmed to be affected by the H5N2 avian influenza virus, which has cost the state around 5.8 million birds.

The state board of animal health has now announced a cancellation of all exhibitions and shows that feature birds this year to stop the spread of the bird flu virus. Petting zoos and country fairs will also be prohibited in an attempt to contain the spread.

About Enozia Vakil

Enozia Vakil is an online entrepreneur, writer, editor and an avid reader. She has been associated with some of the best names in both online and print media, and holds a degree in Alternative Medicine.